Why Apple And Cheddar Cheese Are An Unparalleled Flavor Duo

There is nothing quite like the flavor combo that is conjured when you bite into a crisp, juicy apple paired with a bold bite of cheddar cheese. Both tart and tangy, this classic combination of fruit and cheese is perfect for a quick snack, but its appeal extends beyond snacking. The apple and cheese duo can be used to elevate a charcuterie board, turned into a sandwich, or even combined to make a popular regional dessert (ever heard of apple pie with cheddar cheese?).

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Cheddar cheese, made from cow's milk and originating in England, is known for its bold flavor, which runs the gamut from buttery and mild to sharp and almost bitter. There aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing cheddar with apples, but no matter what variety you use, start with a firm, bruise-free fruit. Wash your apple thoroughly before you start slicing. Need some pairing inspo? Try pairing your sharp cheddar cheese with a Gala apple, which is known for its sweet taste and crispy texture. Try mixing a Granny Smith, a delightfully tart green apple, with a bolder aged cheddar. The popular, inexpensive, and accessible Red Delicious is another great apple to pair with any cheddar. The Red Delicious is sweet and mild, making it a pleasant partner for the robust flavor of cheddar cheese.

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Different ways to pair apples and cheese

You can slice your apple and cheese to enjoy them as-is, or get creative by using this pairing in unexpected ways. For an elevated charcuterie board experience, don't stop with one apple and one type of cheddar. Grab a few of your favorite apple varieties (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji are all pretty and flavorful charcuterie darlings) and a selection of cheddar cheeses. To proprely fill out the flavor profiles of your charcuterie board, aim for mild, medium, and sharp cheddar choices (you can also have fun with flavored or hot cheddars).

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Thinly sliced apples and grated cheddar cheese make for excellent salad toppings. Sprinkle over mixed greens and add roasted nuts (paying attention to the temperature golden rule), the protein of your choice (this is a great way to use up some rotisserie chicken), and a simple homemade ranch dressing for a nutritious and delicious meal.

And while an apple grilled cheese sandwich might sound weird at first, the only thing better than apples and cheese together is apples and cheese together between two slices of grilled, buttered bread (trust us on this one). Add some crispy bacon for a satisfying crunch and a salty, savory boost of protein.

Apple pie and cheddar cheese are an American classic

It doesn't get more American than apple pie, but this delectable dish actually originated in England way back in the 14th century. Settlers brought the pie to America centuries later, and today it is a national favorite. Some parts of the country, though, do it a little differently. If you reach for a slice of apple pie in New England or the Midwest, it's likely to be served with a slice of cheddar cheese on top. This tradition was carried over from 17th-century England and really took root in regions of the United States known for dairy production. We're not saying your cheese has to be from Vermont or Wisconsin to enjoy this savory regional dessert experience, but you're certainly more likely to find this delicacy in those states.

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The rich, sweet cinnamon notes of apple pie and its flaky, buttery crust are delightful on their own, but adding a slice of savory cheddar cheese elevates it to a whole new level. Traditionally, the pie is served with a slice of cheddar cut fresh from the block and placed on top of the slice. Connoisseurs might have a strong cheese preference (a thick slice of sharp cheddar, for example), but nervous newbies can try milder cheddar for their first apple pie with cheese experience.

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